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For Program Leaders

Congratulations on receiving funding for your NCWIT AspireIT middle school outreach program! You are making a huge impact on middle school girls lives and helping them to explore the possibilities of computing in a positive, unique girl environment.

Top 5 ways to make the most of your program:

By working together with your Program/Fiscal Partner. You are the main contact for NCWIT and Program Leader. However, your partner is there to help empower you along the way and serve as your fiscal agent. You may consider meeting regularly to discuss progress and goals along with anything else you may need adult support on. Having an AspireIT program is a huge accomplishment but it is also a big undertaking- don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Utilize the resources available. Join the AspireIT Program Leaders Facebook Group and toolkit can assist you to help you shape your program. Do you need sample forms or program implementation ideas? It’s in the toolkit! Do you have curriculum, sample forms, recruitment ideas or more that you’d like to share? Post it in the group and share it with others!

Promote your program and be sure the information that NCWIT has for your program is accurate (date, website, photos, etc.). Is the AspireIT logo on your sponsor page of your website? Are you using the AspireIT digital badge? Do you need sample posters, flyers, press release, etc. Check out the media kit and other tools in the toolkit. Have you had any media coverage? Please be sure to send it to NCWIT aspireit@ncwit.org so we can track your successes!

Pre and Post Program Tasks. If you are a new program, be sure to have your orientation aspireit@ncwit.org . When you have completed your program we have a special survey for each population involved to complete (a survey for you, one for your program partner, and one for your middle school participants to take towards the end of program) and final report for you to fill out. We will also be asking for your media waivers and participant info (you collected the first week), your photos, info on any publicity your program got and your final budget info. This will help us measure the success of the AspireIT programs and plan for future programs. You will want to make sure these tasks are complete before applying for future funding.

Consider succession planning- We have already had many programs come back for additional funding to be able to provide more programs to girls! You can continue to apply for funding as long as you’d like to have your program. When you are ready to move on from leading the program and if you are interested in leaving a legacy, consider mentoring a future program leader to take over your program. If you don’t know any Aspirations in Computing Alumna- encourage your younger peers to apply so that they are eligible to be a program leader. In the short time we’ve had AspireIT we’ve already seen great success in this area. Examples: One program partner is working with three different program leaders to have three unique program tracks for middle school girls in Virginia. Another team in Oregon has decided to have a level one and level two program. Great ideas and partnerships happening!